"Hairspray" at the Orpheum Theater

The Monmouth College departments of theatre and music will present the musical “Hairspray” at Galesburg’s Orpheum Theatre, as part of its Red Carpet Series.

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Aledo Times Record - Aledo, IL

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Posted Feb. 26, 2013 at 3:07 PM
Updated Feb 26, 2013 at 3:09 PM

Posted Feb. 26, 2013 at 3:07 PM
Updated Feb 26, 2013 at 3:09 PM

The Monmouth College departments of theatre and music will present the musical “Hairspray” at Galesburg’s Orpheum Theatre, as part of its Red Carpet Series.

Public performances will be March 1 at 7:30 p.m and March 2 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which are $10 for students and from $15 to $25 for the general public, are available from the Orpheum by phone at 309-342-2299 or by e-mail at www.theorpheum.org.

Based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name, the comedy follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, who is obsessed with a teenage TV dance show hosted by Corny Collins and by one if its dancers, Link Larkin. Though rejected by producer Velma Von Tussle at auditions, when Tracy shows off some moves at the Sophomore Hop, Collins gives her a place on the show. Tracy is soon launched to stardom, but can’t stand that the show won’t allow integration and does everything in her power to make it happen.

“It’s Baltimore in 1962 – crazy dance steps, high energy and a happy ending. All the cool kids will be there,” said Monmouth College theatre professor Bill Wallace, who noted this is the third time the college has co-produced a show with the Orpheum. The others were in 2009 (“Our American Cousin”) and 2011 (“The Tempest”).

Directing the 42-member cast is visiting assistant professor of theatre C.D. Adamson, who also serves as the choreographer. Theatre professor Doug Rankin is the set and lighting designer, while costume shop supervisor Pat Andresen is the costume designer. Janell Johnson is the vocal director, and the pit band director is Matt Wanken.

“Hairspray” is produced via special arrangement with Music Theatre International.